Full Notification

Prevent Package Thefts by the Holiday Grinch

Although we haven’t seen a large uptick in package thefts, residents are reminded to minimize their risk of package theft by avoiding having packages delivered to your front door while no one is home to receive deliveries. There are several alternatives now available to ensure your online shopping deliveries make it securely into your home.

Use Smart Package Lockers or Convenience Store: With Amazon Locker, you can receive your Amazon packages at secure locations. Amazon Lockers are available at the Safeway on First Street and Whole Foods on El Camino Real. Additional Amazon Locker locations can be found when selecting a shipping address during the checkout process or when adding a new address in Your Account. If Amazon Locker is not an option, and you are a frequent online shopper, consider using the UPS Store, check the availability of lockers in nearby convenience stores, Kiosks or buy your own digital locker.

Have Packages Delivered to Your Workplace: Check with your employer to see if package delivery is allowed. Having your package delivered to your office will reduce the risk of package theft or package loss significantly.

Install a Smart Security Camera at Your Front Door: Having a smart video surveillance camera pointing at the front door, hallway or driveway will serve as a deterrent for criminals. If caught in the CCTV footage swiping package off the front door, the footage can be used to identify frequent package pinchers and help substantiate a theft for refund and replacement.

Require Signature on Delivery: If your package is delivered by UPS, consult your sender and require delivery confirmation signature. Signature-required delivery should be strictly followed by couriers. If your package was left unattended, or even worse, lost, because they didn’t follow the protocol, delivery companies are liable to legal actions and you are entitled to a full refund or replacement if you didn’t get a proof of delivery when you demand delivery by signature.

Reroute or Reschedule Delivery: Both UPS and FedEx offer web apps to help reroute parcels to another address and reschedule your package delivery at your convenience for a fee. For example, FedEx’s Delivery Manager, and UPS My Choice premium membership for $40 a year. If you are using other delivery services, online shipment tracking information will be available.

Require Vacation Package Hold: Many delivery companies such as USPS and FedEx offer a free service to uphold your package at their terminals or delivery centers for a period of time. Check FedEx delivery options for free online and free USPS mail holding services.

Remember to report suspicious activity right away to Police by calling our non-emergency number at (650) 947-2770. No one knows your neighborhood better than you, so if someone or something gives you pause, err on the side of caution and contact us to report the suspicious person or activity.